A Comprehensive Analysis Structure for the Design of Masonry Arches

Background: Structural masonry framing has the potential to be an advantageous design technique for new constructions. The realization of this potential requires both design modernizations and accessible analysis methodologies. The focus and understanding of masonry frames have been directed towards the management and preservation of cultural heritage. This has resulted in an assessment approach to the analysis and duality of the term “masonry” to describe both a material and a method of construction. Objectives: The objective of this work is to differentiate masonry as a method and masonry as a material and to use this differentiation to present a comprehensive method-based analysis structure for masonry arches that is formulated around the need to control and optimize the system. Methods: This work presents an analysis approach that defines and utilizes kinematic equilibrium to establish determinant systems. This is achieved through the inclusion of a loading variable to a defined mechanical condition of the arch. The solution to the equilibrium equation sets is evaluated for admissibility through the examination of the thrust line and arch geometry. The simplified analysis is formulated into a simple software structure, a first-order assessment strategy, a characterization technique to link experiment and theory, and carried to dynamic modeling. Results: The results of the approach are the foundation and blueprint for a comprehensive, efficient, and adaptable structural analysis platform designed for the structural analysis of masonry frames. Conclusion: The developed analysis approach and supporting applications cover the base requirements for promoting the application of masonry frames for new constructions.

Physical-mathematical model for determination of variation of internal forces in the simplified analysis of a beam

Springs are often taught in subjects of physics such as statics and solid mechanics belonging to civil engineering programs and mechanical engineering. This knowledge can be applied successfully in the modeling of structures and the consequent development of structural analysis. This paper presents the results of an investigation on physic-mathematical models which uses springs to replace complex connective conditions attempting to simplify the structural analysis process. The work focuses on the analysis of beams supported upon masonry walls, applying variations to the span lengths, sections and loads on them and considering realistic variations of the stiffness conditions required in the supports to meet the demands that these variations impose. For this, continuous beams with two spans with three types of section that are supported by walls that support different levels of restriction from different heights of the building of which they are part are modeled. It is concluded that there is an important influence of the slenderness of the beams and the degree of confinement of the supports upon the precision of the simplified model.